Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Smart bridges

The new Iowa River bridge features over 100 gauges that take 100 readings a second, providing quantitative information on the bridge's performance and condition. The system also monitors security and surveillance video, with data displayed in real-time on a website.

Migration interception practices are a major threat to health

The study highlights the potential health risks associated with migration interception practices, including immigration detention and visa restrictions. Health professionals must engage in discussions about migration and humanitarian protection to consider the broader impact on health and welfare.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 14, 2011

A new way to make lighter, stronger steel -- in a flash

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a new way to make steel 7 percent stronger than any steel on record using a heat-treatment called flash processing. The unique microstructure formed by the process boosts ductility, making it a potential impact-absorber for automotive applications.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMaterials Science and Technology·DateJun 9, 2011

Dairy farmers can fight growing disease threat with chlorine and stainless steel

USDA researchers found that using stainless steel water troughs with chlorinated water significantly reduces the survival of Johne's disease-causing bacteria. Chlorine is particularly effective in killing the bacteria on stainless and galvanized steel surfaces, but has limited impact on concrete and plastic.

Student uses pedal power to create novel machine

A student at the University of Sheffield designed a mobile bicycle-powered water pump, called bicibomba movil, to improve irrigation and water distribution for rural residents in Guatemala. The machine can achieve a flow rate of 40 liters per minute on flat ground and has been produced in regular production since its creation.

Recycling 'tiny trash' -- cigarette butts

Researchers have discovered a way to reuse cigarette butts to protect steel from rusting, a process that can be costly and disrupt oil production. The study identified nine chemicals in the extracts of cigarette butts that appear to be responsible for this anti-corrosion effect.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateMay 12, 2010

Fast quantum computer building block created

Scientists at University of Michigan and U.S. Naval Research Laboratory demonstrate a solid-state qubit that can be both 0 and 1 at the same time, enabling faster quantum computing and improved computer security. The breakthrough enables the creation of a code that would be impossible to crack with conventional computers.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 20, 2008

Getting wired for terahertz computing

University of Utah engineers successfully created wire-like waveguides to transmit and bend terahertz radiation, a crucial step towards harnessing its potential for faster computing and communication. This breakthrough could lead to the development of superfast computers that can process data at trillions of cycles per second.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 14, 2008

Nanotube, heal thyself

Researchers discovered that carbon nanotubes can repair themselves by moving blemishes across the surface of the material, sewing up larger holes as they go. This self-repair mechanism allows the nanotube to retain its strength despite severe damage, but comes with a price: releasing energy and mass in the form of gaseous carbon atoms.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 15, 2007

We're sorry this is late; we really meant to post it sooner

Research by Dr. Piers Steel reveals that perfectionism is not the root cause of procrastination, but rather a lack of confidence and expectancy. The study estimates that 15-20% of the population are procrastinators, with costs extending beyond poor work performance to financial and health implications. Steel's Temporal Motivational The...

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJan 10, 2007